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Reykjavík

Reykjavík, the capital and largest city of Iceland, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural sophistication. Nestled on the southwestern coast of Iceland, Reykjavík is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, vibrant arts scene, and rich Viking history. It serves as a gateway to the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland, with its volcanic scenery, geothermal pools, and the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Visitors to the city can explore world-class museums such as the National and Saga Museum, partake in exotic Icelandic cuisine, or marvel at the stunning architecture of the Hallgrimskirkja Church and the Harpa Concert Hall. Despite its frosty name, Reykjavík exudes a warm, welcoming charm that makes each visitor's experience unforgettable.

Reykjavík is currently ranked #98 best place for solo female travellers. Check full ranking.

4.1 /5

Based on 8 experiences

4 /5

Based on our research

4.8 /5

Based on safety reports

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Safety:Very safe

Reykjavík prides itself on having a low crime rate and is often considered one of the world's safer capitals. The Icelandic police are helpful and approachable, and the residents usually are warm, friendly, and comfortable with English. Normal safety precautions apply, such as avoiding deserted areas at night and keeping an eye on valuables, but overall, security incidents involving solo female travelers are extremely rare.

Transport:Very easy

Reykjavík is a pedestrian-friendly city, making it straightforward to navigate. The city center offers various attractions within short walking distance. Additionally, cycling paths are well maintained. You can easily rent a bike for an entire day. For farther distances, a network of city buses is efficient and covers most of the city. You can also choose to rent a car as driving around is quite simple owing to less traffic and clear road signs.

Things to do:Interesting

Reykjavík is a beautiful city with plenty of activities to fill your trip. From unique museums such as the Perlan and the Saga Museum to the stunning Hallgrímskirkja church that offers an amazing view of the city. There are numerous restaurants and cafes offering a variety of Icelandic and international cuisine. Furthermore, it serves as a jumping-off point for unforgettable experiences like the Golden Circle tour, whale watching, and visiting the Blue Lagoon. However, it may lack the hustle and bustle associated with larger cities.

Food:Above average

Reykjavík offers quite a diverse selection of food. You can discover a delightful mix of traditional Icelandic dishes, such as fermented shark and lamb soup, alongside contemporary global cuisine, like sushi and vegan treats. Fresh seafood is especially plentiful and exceptional in quality. However, the food can be quite expensive compared to other countries due to Iceland's isolated location.

Budget:Expensive

Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, is known for its relatively high cost of living. Expenses such as accommodation, dining, and local tours can add up quickly. Although it's possible to find cheaper options and free activities, overall, it may not be the most budget-friendly city to visit. Remember, the landscape beauty of the country is priceless.

Overall rating

4.1 /5

based on 8 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.8/5

Food

3.7/5

Budget-friendly

2.7/5

Mariana

Mexico

Solo travel experience

I've been to Reykjavik repeatedly over the years and it is one of the cities where I have felt the safest, even walking around alone in the middle of the night (in winter) without a problem. It's not the most happening of places (unless there's a music festival, and there are many and often), but it's a good home base in Iceland if you want to explore the southern part of the island. It has, however, become much more expensive than it used to be, so it will set you back a bit.

Posted: April 13, 2024

Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

i was alone, i stayed for three days and it’s one of the safest countries in the world i felt very safe. highly recommend going there. i went to see the northern lights but i couldn’t see them i recommend checking the dates of the northern lights before going there. i went to a golden circle tour and it was beautiful too.

Posted: January 13, 2024

Things to do: 5/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 1/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

Reykjavik is tiny, you can walk the entire "city" in one morning. I found a few very good restaurants there, and the food was delicious, but expensive.

Posted: May 21, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I found Reykjavik to be a very friendly and safe place. I spent my first night in an Airbnb room in a stranger's house (which I had never done before) and I was pleased with the accommodation. I was lucky and managed to see a bit of the northern lights that night. I spent the rest of my trip in a national park. The rented car was very cheap at the time, and the road that circles the whole country was well maintained and well marked.

Posted: December 10, 2022

Things to do: 5/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I went alone and could allow myself to travel independently. I spent all days sightseeing the Golden Circle. I could book the Secret Lagoon (two hours entry, more rural stay and significantly smaller, but unique) to the south towards Vik and the black sand beach. An extraordinary walk/route along the coast is the way to the Grota lighthouse - a total of about 12 km, which was really worth it. It was so peculiar, identical and beautiful.

Posted: November 17, 2022

Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5

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To do: - Hallgrímskirkja - Sun Voyager - Rainbow Street - Street Art - Hofdi House Safety: I felt very safe. Recommendations: Reykjavik is a charming city with fantastic tours to breathtaking landscapes.

Posted: September 16, 2022

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5

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Things to do: - Hallgrímskirkja Church - Rainbow Road - Austurvöllur Square - The Unknown Bureaucrat Memorial - Icelandic Phallological Museum - Harpa Concert Hall - Sun Voyager Sculpture - Hofdi House Safety: It's safe. I walk alone in Reykjavik at night and no one bothers me. Recommendations: Reykjavik is a small, easy to explore, and safe city. If you stay in the city center, you can easily walk around it at night.

Posted: September 9, 2022

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5

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To do: - Hallgrímskirkja Church - Harpa - Sun Voyager - The Icelandic Phallological Museum - Perlan - National Museum of Iceland - Reykjavik Art Museum - Laugavegur - The Settlement Exhibition Safety: Reykjavik is safe and most people are friendly. Recommendations: Reykjavik is nice for a day or two, but the best parts of Iceland are outside the city.

Posted: September 2, 2022

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5

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Eva

About Me

Hi I am Eva, I am 50 years old and a single mom. I love animals and nature. I like to travel and meet new people, see new cities and learn about new cultures.

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Stay with local women in Reykjavík who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.

Eva

Reykjavík

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi I am Eva, I am 50 years old and a single mom. I love animals and nature. I like to travel and meet new people, see new cities and learn about new cultures.